Page:United States Statutes at Large Volume 22.djvu/1063

 Preamble. Nov. 30, 1882. Day of thanks- giving. Day of National Prayer. Dee& of NO. 5. BY '�. PRSIDqT OF THE UI3:g,, STATES OF ,MI'-TCA. A PROCLAMATION. In conformity with a custom the annual observance of which is justly held in houor by this people, I, Chester A. Arthur, President of the United States, do hereby set apart Thursday, the 30th day of lifoveto. ber next as a day of public Thanksgiving. The blessings demanding our gratitude are numerous and varied. For the peace and amity which subsist between this Republic and all the nations of the world; for the freedom from internal discord and violence; for the increasing friendship between the difibront sections of the land; for liberty, justice and constitutional government; for the devotion of the people to our free institutions and their cheerful obedi- ence to mild laws; for the constantly increasing strength 9f the Re- public while extending its privileges to fellow men who come to us; for the improved means of internal communication, and the increased facilities of intercourse with other Nations; for the general prevailing health of the year; for the prosperity of all our industries, the liberal return for the mechanic's toil affording a market for the abundant har- vests of the husbandman; for the preservation of the national faith and credit; for wise and generous provision to effect the intellectual and moral education of our youth; for the influence upon the conscience of a restraining and transforming religion; and for the joys of home; for these, and for many other blessings, we should give thank& Wherefore, I do recommend that the day above designated be ob- served throughout the country as a Day of National Thanksgiving and .Prayer, and thaC the people, ceasing from their daily labors and meet- mg m accordanc with their several forms of wornhip, draw near to the .throne of Almighty God, offering to Him praise and gratitude gor the muffold goodness which He has vouehsafed to us, and praying that lia blessings and li mercies may continue. And I do further recommend that the day thus appointed be made a special occasion for deeds of kindness and charity to the suffering and the needy, b that all who dwell within the land may rejoice and be glad in this season of National aanksgiving. In witness whereof I have hereunto set my hand and caused the seal of the United States to be affLxed. Done at the city of Washington this twenty-fifth day of Oe_, in the year or our Lord one thousandaghlt hundred and eighty- [SL.J _two, and of the 'Independence of [Ynited States the one By the President: